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A dog on a porch Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital

Protecting Your Pet’s Health at Every Stage of Life

At Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital, we prioritize prevention as the best medicine. From playful puppies and kittens to senior companions, our compassionate veterinary care team is committed to providing tailored wellness and preventive care for pets of all ages.

Wellness visits allow us to monitor your pet's well-being and offer personalized recommendations. With regular checkups, we can detect health changes early and provide timely intervention to help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

Care by Life Stage

Every wellness visit includes a thorough nose-to-tail exam to assess your pet’s coat, skin, eyes, ears, teeth, and overall health. Our veterinary team will collaborate with you to customize nutrition and lifestyle routines, administer vaccinations, and provide flea, tick, and parasite prevention. As your pet's needs evolve over the years, your veterinarian will work with you to address them at every life stage.

Two children playing with adorable puppies

Puppies & Kittens

Building a foundation for good health must start early. We recommend visits every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks old for core vaccinations, parasite screenings, and deworming. This is also a good time to discuss any concerns about nutrition, training, spaying or neutering and potential health issues like allergies.

Adult cat getting pets on the head

Adult Pets

Annual wellness exams monitor health throughout a pet’s life, including booster vaccinations, routine bloodwork, and parasite screenings. Your veterinarian will also provide guidance about dental care and weight management.

Senior dog sitting outside

Senior Pets

Pets over 7 years should have biannual exams to address changes in aging bodies. These visits include comprehensive screenings, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, to detect conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, or diabetes early.

Vaccinations For Preventive Care

Regular booster vaccinations are essential for maintaining immunity and protecting against preventable diseases. Typically, the best care for dogs and cats follows a standard vaccination schedule as recommended by the Animal Hospital Association (AAHA):

Vaccination Schedule for Dogs

Canine Age Vaccinations
6-8 weeks:
  • Fecal parasite examination
  • DAPP #1
  • Oral Bordetella vaccine
  • Begin monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention
9-11 weeks:
  • DAPP # 2
  • Injectable Bordetella vaccine (good for 1 year)
  • Refill preventives as needed
12-14 weeks:
  • DAPP #3
  • Leptospirosis #1
  • Refill preventives as needed
15-17 weeks:
  • DAPP # 4 (good for 1 year)
  • Leptospirosis # 2 (good for 1 year)
  • Rabies 1-year vaccine
6 months:
  • Spay/neuter and microchip
  • Heartworm test
Annually:
  • Fecal Parasite Examination
  • Heartworm test
  • Rabies vaccine every 3 years as needed
  • DAPP vaccine every 3 years as needed
  • Leptospirosis vaccine
  • Bordetella vaccine
  • Refill Flea and heartworm prevention (options: Simparica Trio, Heartgard Plus + Nexgard, or ProHeart 12)

Vaccination Schedule for Cats

Feline Age Vaccinations
6-8 weeks of age
  • Fecal parasite examination
  • Deworming
  • FVRCP #1
  • Felv/FIV combo test
  • Start monthly topical flea/heartworm prevention (Revolution Plus)
9-11 weeks:
  • FVRCP # 2
  • Feline Leukemia Vaccine #1
  • Refill Revolution Plus as needed
12-14 weeks:
  • FVRCP #3
  • Feline Leukemia Vaccine #2
  • Refill Revolution Plus as needed
15-17 weeks:
  • Rabies 1-year vaccine
  • Spay/neuter
Annually:
  • Fecal parasite examination
  • Repeat Rabies vaccine every 3 years
  • Repeat FVRCP vaccine every 3 years
  • Repeat Feline Leukemia vaccine every year

Vaccine schedules may vary based on your pet’s lifestyle, age, and health. Your veterinarian will work with you to customize the vaccine protocol for your pet’s unique needs and risks.

Wellness care is the key to ensuring your pet enjoys a lifetime of health and happiness. At Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital, we’re here every step of the way to help you manage your pet’s health. Get started by contacting us today with a a phone call or text. You can also request an appointment online.

Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital